hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl 

1

: full of hate : malicious

2

: deserving of or arousing hate

hatefully

ˈhāt-fə-lē 

adverb

hatefulness noun

Synonyms of hateful

• malicious
• vicious
• cruel
• nasty

Examples of hateful in a Sentence

the girl's classmates were bullying her online, sending her hateful e-mails and text messages

Recent Examples on the Web

Dearborn is home to the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the US and has frequently faced Islamophobic and hateful remarks. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025

Any harassment or hateful attacks toward Barbra are unacceptable and have no place in our sport, league or communities. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025

TERFs across the internet, including Rowling, began using the hashtag #IStandWithMaya to spout hateful anti-trans rhetoric. —Quispe López, Them., 30 Oct. 2025

According to research from Copyleaks, an AI analysis firm that helps businesses and institutions navigate the shifting landscape of this emergent technology, a new trend has produced Sora videos of celebrities appearing to spew hateful racist epithets. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from hate hate entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hateful

• ungrateful
• fateful
• grateful

Kids Definition

hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl 

1

: full of hate : malicious

hateful enemies

2

: causing or deserving hate

a hateful crime

hatefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

hatefulness noun